In this blog I share the Start of the Year Checklist system I use to kick-start my planning for the new school year!
​Check it out on the Gopher Sport PE Blog and also receive a copy of the template to help you get started with streamlining your organization. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE...

This GOPHER PE Blog focuses on infusing fitness with teambuilding fun.
"Integrating intentional fitness into every lesson is a goal of my physical education program. I have found it successful to balance individual challenge or traditional fitness activities with partner fitness challenges and cooperative/team-building activities to keep students interested and motivated." Here are some my ‘go-to’ strategies. READ FULL ARTICLE...

This GOPHER PE Blog shares how I have learned to use technology as an organizational tool to help make my daily routine more efficient. READ FULL ARTICLE
"The bell rings and class begins. We press start on the department Apple iTouch using the Seconds Pro app. The timer announces, “dressing down” over our sound system and students know they have four minutes to get ready for class. Many finish dressing early and head out to the gym to get their pedometer secured and do a ‘walk and talk’ around the main court with their peers or help finalize lesson setup.  After the four minutes of locker room time the timer says, “warm-up time” and upbeat fitness music begins playing. ..."

"If you are looking for more ways to incorporate meaningful technology that makes student learning more efficient, as well as builds bridges with other colleagues using a cross-curricular approach to learning, look no further than Pedometers." Read the full article on the GOPHER PE Blog

My GOPHER PE Blog: "A recent five-month delay in renovations tested my level of grit, flexibility, and creativity, as our department was relocated and divided between several empty science labs and general classrooms. From start to finish it would be over a full year of interruptions..." Read more about how what it took to ensure a quality year of learning despite the challenges of construction. - READ FULL ARTICLE

I have used the HOPSports Activity Breaks subscription for two years now. I enjoy using it in my health classroom and for guided instant activities or activity breaks in physical education. Many of my colleagues have also used it. HOPSports has a new announcement for ALL teachers across the world: FREE Activity Breaks! 

• Whether you've been wanting to, or already use other resources, HOPSports is a quality choice. Check out their website.  Sign up for the Free Basic Brain Boosters Subscription.
  
• Or read the attached letter from HOPSports themselves and see the directions/information. You can contact them directly for more information.

I have enjoyed my experience with HOPSports and appreciate their willingness to offer this FREE resource for teachers. 
Check it out Today!!  https://brain-breaks.com/

In a future post I will share how I used the inspiration from HOPSports and Jammin' Minute to create a student design project. Students designed, taught and recorded their own Physical Activity Break routines (also known as Brain Breaks, Brain-Body Boosters or Brain Boosters)! Resources to follow.  

March 2015 Guest Entry for Gopher PE Blog: (Part 2 of 2)..."The more I speak with parents, school board, administrators, local media, or other community members, the more I understand they DO want to share in our success and support us. They just don’t always know how, especially at the secondary level when students desire more independence. However, research shows that adolescents need as much adult support as elementary age youth. What should we do to ensure our partners understand and support not only what is going on in our classrooms (at every level) but also our profession as a whole? Answer: Develop and implement a simple, consistent communication system."  READ THE FULL ARTICLE

February 2015 Guest Gopher PE Blog: (PART 1 of 2) ..."When physical education was relocated to regular classrooms due to gym construction, a parent commented on how they felt nothing was happening in P.E. due to the construction. This was far from true, and several non-P.E. teachers were quick to inform the parent about the wonderful learning happening regardless of the temporary relocation of P.E. class. When word got back to me about this exchange it made me realize I needed to communicate better with parents, especially during this time of construction.

What should we do to ensure our partners (parents, students, administration, colleagues, school board, local media, etc.) understand and support not only what is going on in our classrooms but also our profession as a whole?
Answer: Develop and implement a simple, consistent communication system." READ FULL ARTICLE